Tofino and Ucluelet B.C. Fishing report May 2007
For the Tofino/Clayoquot Sound region, on Vancouver Island's rugged and beautiful west coast, the month of May provides great options and diverse fisheries in Freshwater and Saltwater. Southward migrating Chinook Salmon arrive and feed primarily on our offshore banks, gorging on the prolific stocks of Needlefish, Herring and Pilchards that are common in these waters that average less than 200 feet deep. Fortunately for local and visiting anglers, these same bait stocks and the prime habitat of varied underwater contours are also favored by Halibut during this same time. Trolling deep near the bottom is a common approach by many anglers during this time, compounding action for Chinook salmon and Halibut at the same time. Both species can be caught with spoons or hoochies trolled behind a flasher, but most common, and often most effective is an anchovy or small herring rigged 6 feet behind your favorite glow flasher. Many local guides "stir things up" by occasionally bouncing their downrigger balls on the bottom along the underwater contours, often enticing movement by nearby Halibut.
For anglers to specifically target Halibut, your vessel and gear should be well prepared, with a gaff hook or two, a Halibut harpoon, some rope to "hog tie" larger fish, and an extra club. Stout rods of 6-7 feet and level wind reels loaded with 80-100 lb. test braided Dacron are the norm. Although our local average size Halibut are between 18-40 lbs, this is the time of the year that we most often experience larger fish mixed in, that can test your arms, your gear, and your knowledge of Halibut recipes in preparation for some great meals.
Abundant numbers of juvenile Coho Salmon have started the local saltwater fly fishery early this year, with the sizes of these feisty salmon increasing rapidly over the next few months. Small flies in orange or pink are the best bet. Casting or trolling the shallow bays of inner Clayoquot Sound is often productive for these scrappy young salmon that makes for great sport in the early season. June 1st will again be the date of allowable Coho Salmon retention for the Tofino area, and anglers are advised to try and always stay well informed of local regulations. Check in at our Fly & Tackle shop for updated information for all species throughout the season.
Numerous late spring Steelhead have been providing great action on the small to medium sized rivers of Clayoquot Sound. Flies, Marabou Jigs, and light spinning gear are the main types of tackle used for local Steelhead and Trout. Steelhead Nightmare, Clayoquot Prawns and articulate Egg Leeches are always popular on the Steelhead hit list. While fly fishing for Trout during this time, Steelhead will also take a well presented Muddler Minnow, Kiwi Muddler or Salmon Fry imitation, which can be a challenge on light tippet. Gibbs #35 Koho spoons and Silvex spinners are a great springtime lure for both Steelhead and Cutthroat Trout. Fishing the local beaches is now in prime time for aggressive Sea-run Cutthroat Trout willing to take any thing that resembles a Salmon fry. Local lakes are active for both Rainbows and Cutthroat with Chironomids, nymphs, leeches and small minnow patterns a focus.
For further info and updated reports, visit out popular website at www.tofinofishing.com. Try and share a fishing experience with a young angler this spring, as the smile on their face is worth more than the catch of the day.
